The brand concept that the Rakuten Group upholds, "On a Mission: Empowerment," "Behave Ethically: Integrity," "Prepare to Succeed: Professionalism," "Complete Commitment: Get Things Done," and "Solidarity: Succeed as a Team."What if we applied these five to the players of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles?Strangely, or rather inevitably, I found a lineup that fits perfectly.The phrase "Solidarity: Succeed as a Team" goes to Hideto Asamura, who will serve as captain from the 2023 season.Surely, there is no player who is confronting these words as much as he is right now.

Despite always being mindful of his surroundings, player Asamura, who leads not with words but through his actions on the field, has decided to take on the role of captain from the 2023 season.There is a strong desire for victory shining through there. Exercised his domestic free agent (FA) rights and joined the Eagles from 2019.Since then, he has continued to deliver results with his bat as the mainstay of the team, but he has not been able to reach the ultimate goal of winning the championship.One cannot reach there by one’s own strength alone.Just when I felt strongly about it, I made up my mind upon hearing the words from Manager Kazuhisa Ishii, “Only Asa can be considered as the captain.” What is it that the team lacks, what is expected of me.I had a conversation with Asamura, a player who thinks and faces challenges more than anyone else, on the theme of “Solidarity: Succeed as a Team”.Then, what was needed for his own role and team to aim higher became connected with this word.

“I believe that getting along well is necessary for team unity, but that alone is not enough.”After all, it is a world of competition.In order to enhance team unity while also fostering internal competition, it’s important that everyone is headed in the same direction.If you have that mindset, it should give rise to a feeling of willingness to cover for someone else’s mistake as a team.

What I personally consider important is to keep participating in matches.When you stop coming out, there are times when your determination to face the same direction becomes blurred.As a human, there can be times when my feelings get overwhelmed, but I want to keep participating in matches throughout the year, both in good times and bad.I believe that it is important both as a player and as a captain.

On the other hand, as a team, we would like to see more participation from young players in the matches.If the younger players step up, it also makes us feel like we, the veteran players and mid-career players, can’t afford to be complacent.I have no intention of easily giving up my position, but for the team to become stronger, and for all of us to move forward together, I hope that young players will step up.

To strengthen a team while maintaining unity, it is important for young, mid-career, and veteran players to continually polish their skills and learn from each other, isn’t it?What I rely on are the presence of mid-career and veteran players.Starting this year, I will serve as the captain, but I believe it’s tough to change the team alone. Therefore, I think not only me, but also everyone should join forces, which might bring along the younger members as well.I think that such team strength, when put to the test in a match, can change the atmosphere of disadvantage, and lead to turning things around towards victory.I believe that increasing the number of such matches, even by just one, becomes important when aiming for the championship.

Of course, when the team is struggling, it becomes even more necessary for me to lead everyone, and to have a self-sacrificing attitude where I’m willing to sacrifice myself to make the team win.I want to lead the team more than ever before.As expected, I want to win.I took on the role of captain believing that I myself can change and level up, and I hope that this will serve as an opportunity for the team to change as well.

Teammates are good rivals and comrades aiming for victory.The only thing we don’t want to compromise on is that we all work towards the same direction, whether times are good or bad.”I believe that unity is paramount in order to enhance teamwork.”

TEXT: Chiharu Abe